Sunday, February 16, 2025

NBA Under Pressure: DR Congo Demands End to Rwanda Sponsorships

DR Congo calls on the NBA to cut ties with Rwanda over ongoing conflict.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has asked the National Basketball Association (NBA) to stop its sponsorship deals with Rwandan companies. The reason is that Rwanda has troops in eastern DR Congo.

DR Congo has also made similar requests to other organizations, including Formula One and football clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, which all have sponsorship agreements with Rwanda.

DR Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, wrote to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, saying:

"By maintaining ties with a government engaged in violent expansionism, the NBA risks undermining its own credibility and moral standing."

The letter mentions the sponsorships with "Visit Rwanda" and "RwandAir."

An NBA spokesperson responded:

"We will continue to follow U.S. government guidance everywhere we operate."

The conflict in eastern DR Congo, involving the M23 rebel group backed by Rwanda, has caused thousands of deaths since early 2022. More than a million people have been forced to leave their homes.

The Basketball Africa League, which is connected to the NBA, includes 12 teams. One of these teams is APR Basketball Club, based in Kigali, Rwanda.

Minister Wagner also questioned if the NBA’s connection with Rwanda matches its values of social justice and human rights.